Easy Classic Meatloaf

Easy Classic Meatloaf should be a part of everyone’s cooking repetoire and it makes a killer sandwich!

Easy Classic Meatloaf is just what the name says, easy and classic. Delicous, just like mom used to make. Our family has a funny relationship with meatloaf. It has actually been about 15 years since I have made it. You see, our family had a traumatic meatloaf experience about 15 years ago and no one has eaten it since, until this past week. I knew it was time to give it a try again.

About 15 years ago I was in a dinner group. There were four of us and we took turns cooking dinner for all four families once a week. It was awesome and 99% of the time we loved what was delivered to us on the other three nights. But then there was that one night, the meatloaf night.

Now we had always liked meatloaf and it made a regular appearance at our dinner table until “the meatloaf” was delivered. I’m not sure what went wrong with, but it wasn’t the color or texture we were used to. Let’s just say it went untouched and it never graced our dinner table again.

I went back into my recipe archives and found my old recipe for meatloaf and decided it was time to bring it back One of the best things about making meatloaf is having leftovers for sandwiches.

This meatloaf is everything it should be. It has great color, great texture and great flavor. A topping of ketchup, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar dresses it up a bit and there is no need to add ketchup to that sandwich.

How to Make the Best Meatloaf

I used panko crumbs because that is what I had on hand but you can also use regular bread crumbs or seasoned bread crumbs. If you use seasoned bread crumbs leave out the Italian seasoning.

Bake the loaf on a roaster pan. This will allow the grease from the meat to drain away from the meat and you won’t end up with your meatloaf sitting in a puddle of grease.

Add the ketchup mixture at the end and bake for an additional ten minutes. Just bake it long enough for the sauce to set.

Hi – I’m Leigh Anne! Food, family and friends are three of my favorite things. I love sharing easy, delicious recipes and entertaining ideas that everyone will love. When she started her blog, Your Homebased Mom, over 9 years ago she had no idea that it would one day house over 2,400 recipes and ideas! .

Comments

Hi. Ah, meat loaf. #1 rule should be to only eat your mother’s meat loaf (if it’s a winner)! A neighbor gifted us a huge meat loaf. Knowing her strange culinary ‘talents’ I was hesitant. Upon unwrapping the meat loaf there was about a 3 # brick of a cooked meat loaf – it was gray. When I cut slices, it was FULL of marble-size globs of fat. Gross. One mini taste and the entire slab was fed to the garbage disposal along with what I spit out. I have no idea what those white fat globs were. I never asked. So, I only eat my Mom’s creation – no meat loaf ‘gifts’, but we will try your recipe. Thanks. Lisa Also – very hesitant about eating anonymous contributions at picnics, community events, etc. People seem to like to use the cheapest ingredients…

Thank you so much for this recipe. PTMLS is real and living in America. My Mom’s meatloaf was always good and the sandwiches the next day was the best part. I like mine with coleslaw. My meatloaf is hit or miss and I have tried many recipes and variations. I look forward to trying this. Your pictures are yummy.

Ugh – so did the ‘other family’ know the meat loaf was a barf meal?? And if not, I hope she isn’t reading your blog!! I always made meatloaf when my daughters were young, and now just recently one of my adult daughters has informed me she hates meat loaf, it was the worse meal I made, and never makes it and wouldn’t let her kids touch it!! But I am going to make this – and ‘gift’ it to the missionaries who never turn down anything from your blog!!! Thank you for that!!! Have a great Easter!

Oh, we love meatloaf. I’m eager to try your recipe, which is fancier than mine (mine is from the Betty Crocker old-timey Children’s Cookbook, haha!). But I never tried meatloaf sandwiches until I was an adult and someone introduced me to the delicacy. Love at first bite and no turning back, must be on white bread, though. BTW, your new profile picture in the blue and white striped blouse is beautiful!

WELCOME

Food, family and friends are three of Leigh Anne's favorite things. . Leigh Anne welcomes you into her kitchen and her life on a daily basis through her personable, down to earth, style and her readers often think of her as their neighbor next door.